Maharashtra ZP Polls 2026: BJP Leads, Sharad Pawar Hospitalized in Pune

Maharashtra is currently witnessing a dynamic political landscape with the live counting of votes for the Zilla Parishad (ZP) and Panchayat Samiti elections 2026. Simultaneously, a significant health update concerning veteran Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar has emerged, with him being admitted to a hospital in Pune. Both events are unfolding on Monday, February 9, 2026, marking a critical day for the state's political and social spheres. **Maharashtra Zilla Parishad Election Results 2026** The counting of votes for elections to 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis across Maharashtra commenced on Monday morning at 10 am. These elections, originally slated for February 5, were rescheduled to February 7 following the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash and the subsequent declaration of a three-day state mourning. The polls are considered a crucial electoral test, especially for the fragmented Nationalist Congress Party, whose rival factions contested the elections. Early trends indicate a strong performance by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is leading in a substantial number of Zilla Parishad seats. According to India TV News, the BJP is leading on 224 seats, followed by Shiv Sena with leads on 139 seats, and NCP on 137 seats. Mint also reported early trends showing BJP leading in 201 seats out of 531 seats across 12 districts, with Shiv Sena leading in 118 seats, NCP in 101, Congress in 43, and Shiv Sena (UBT) in 27. Another report from India News indicated BJP leading in 145 seats out of 731, Shiv Sena in 85, NCP in 80, Congress in 30, and Shiv Sena (UBT) in 21. District-wise results are also coming in. In Latur, for instance, initial reports showed a close contest with BJP leading with 16 seats and Congress closely behind with 15 seats. The NCP secured 10 seats, Shiv Sena 2, and independents 2, while NCP (SP) and MNS each won one seat. India TV News further specified that in Latur's 59 Zilla Parishad seats, Congress was ahead on 20, BJP on 18, and NCP (Sunetra Pawar faction) on 11. In Pune Zilla Parishad, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction is reported to be leading in 27 seats out of 73, with BJP in second place leading in 20 seats. The voter turnout for these elections was recorded at 68.28 per cent on Sunday. Parbhani district registered the highest turnout at 74.89 per cent, while Ratnagiri recorded the lowest at 55.79 per cent. **Sharad Pawar's Health Update** Amidst the election fervor, distressing news emerged regarding NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar's health. The 85-year-old political stalwart was rushed from his residence in Baramati to Ruby Hall Clinic, a private hospital in Pune, on Monday after complaining of persistent cough, throat infection, and difficulty in breathing. Party sources confirmed his hospitalization, noting that he had been unwell for several days. His nephew, Shrinivas Pawar, stated that Sharad Pawar had been coughing persistently since Sunday night and exhibited signs of chest congestion. Upon arrival at Ruby Hall Clinic, a team of doctors, including chief cardiologist Dr. Parvez Grant, began assessing his condition. A CT scan was performed, which revealed a chest infection. While initial treatment was administered in Baramati, the persistence of his condition led doctors to advise a shift to Pune for detailed evaluation and treatment. His daughter and Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule, along with her husband Sadanand Sule, were present at the hospital. Sources close to the family indicated that persistent coughing and phlegm were causing him breathing discomfort. Pawar's health is believed to have been further strained by recent emotional and physical exertion, particularly due to attending multiple condolence visits following the sudden death of his nephew and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28. Despite largely limiting public engagements for two to three months prior due to illness, he had resumed meeting party workers and constituents, closely monitoring the election developments. The hospital authorities confirmed that he is under close monitoring, and his condition will be assessed by specialists to determine the next steps, including whether formal admission is required. This convergence of major election results and a significant health concern for a prominent political figure underscores a critical period for Maharashtra, attracting widespread attention across the nation. The outcome of these local body elections will undoubtedly influence the regional political landscape, while the health of Sharad Pawar remains a matter of national concern.

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